Venice Beach Detention: LAPD Investigates Suspect in Stolen Bike Case

On Monday, September 30, 2024, Los Angeles Police Officers responded to a report of a stolen electric cargo bike near the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The owner, who had reported the bike missing three days earlier, used an AirTag tracking device to locate it near the boardwalk.
After spotting the bike being ridden by a man, the owner flagged down nearby police officers. The man was detained and questioned by LAPD, claiming that he had purchased the bike and was unaware it was stolen. Following a review of surveillance footage, officers were unable to conclusively prove that the man had stolen the bike. As a result, he was released without charges.
The bike was returned to its rightful owner, thanks to the AirTag device that allowed for its recovery. This incident highlights the growing importance of tracking technology in bike theft prevention, though it also underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in proving theft without clear evidence.
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Fabian Lewkowicz, an award-winning accredited photojournalist and press photographer based in Santa Monica, is renowned for his captivating imagery and storytelling. As the creator of Santa Monica Closeup, he draws on years of experience with local media outlets like the Santa Monica Daily Press and The Corsair to capture iconic moments in the city's history.
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[@jogrigo7626]

Yup 0 bail and this is your outcome Los Angeles!

[@vanpearsall]

Another Catch and release

[@flanagamer]

No honor among thieves (or tweakers) 😅

[@billkallas1762]

The bike, next to the guy sleeping on the bench is probably stolen, too.

[@sinebar]

Those air tags are awesome little devices.

[@malisamendoza7987]

In your previous video this guy looked like he was really enjoying his bike ride as he rolls by the other guy trying to sell a bike! Apparently he is the guy! LOL 😂

[@foxglovepearls]

Ok now wow…the rightful owner reported it stolen and the thief stated he bought it…police let him go because they didn’t want to do due diligence. That criminal will go onto more crimes…🤬

[@2wheel_freedom]

rumor has it, he is already "buying" another bike ........

[@chrisgardner6677]

Who buys a bike without checking if the registration is transferable? A criminal. Why not be charged with possession of stolen property? SMH

[@JamesCrisp-iq4cs]

Needed lazy Daisy there to take care of this situation😂

[@sunsensational]

So he walks only to repeat again when there’s no consequences. Let’s please pass the proposition to revoke this nonsense. Next election.

[@htomc42]

Whatever happened to "possession of stolen property" which is still a crime in so many parts of the country?
That might motivate him to identify just who it was that he bought the bike from, if that really happened.

[@james-p]

More like they determined that they couldn't _prove_ that the guy stole the bike.

[@WCoast_]

I wonder if he had a grinder or bolt cutters in his personal belongings?

[@EyeoftheBeholder1]

Is that crouched over lady with DSW bag on the bench ok? She seems pretty still.

[@paulgithens635]

Looks like there are two victims in this theft.

[@JoeSmith-pg9rw]

Nothing worst than a thief.

[@Willchannel90]

They caught a scavenger.

[@scottprebys9692]

Who to blame….democratic bail reform, defund cops, liberal drug policies, and woke Democratic prosecutors🤬. Well…you elected them - live with it 😂